(No packaging or BB dates, but the shop told me this was a fresh batch, so I’m operating on the assumption that this is the way the brewer intended it to be.) Yeah, I actually didn’t notice the “blackberry” bit on the label when I picked this up, so I was halfway expecting an NEIPA – not so much. I had a bad feeling about the appearance when I started pouring this, and the last inch or so out of the can being as lumpy as it was didn’t do much to help. My comment above notwithstanding, I don’t think this can possibly be fresh. In fact, the visual was so off-putting I was actually hesitant to taste it, despite the mild aroma. Once I started, it wasn’t so bad, though. Wasn’t so good, either, mind you. Bit of a train wreck, actually, and I’m left wondering if this is actually what the brewer intended. Gee, if only there were some way to know how fresh a beer was – if only there were some magic that allowed one to know when a beer was packaged!

(No packaging or BB dates, but the shop told me this was a fresh batch, so I’m operating on the assumption that this is the way the brewer intended it to be.) First time I’ve had anything by this, yet another new local Calgary brewer, and I’m cautiously optimistic. It’s a bit middle-of-the-road, and that’s probably sounding like I’m damning them with faint praise, but I’m not: it’s reasonably flavourful and a solid performer, and getting to that point after having been in business for a year is actually pretty good. (14/20)

(No packaging or BB dates, but the shop told me this was a fresh batch, so I’m operating on the assumption that this is the way the brewer intended it to be.) As a huge fan of ANZ hops (especially Nelson) I had high hopes for this, but they didn’t quite pan out. Not disappointing, as such, but less bright ANZ hop presence than I was hoping for. Instead of vinous and stone fruit, I’m getting a fairly strong floral shortly behind a straightforward citrus. Although not sweet, that perfume character prevents it from being clean and refreshing. OK, but nothing special. (14/20)

I wasn’t able to read the date code, but I suspect this is a release from last summer, so it’s possible the cucumber has faded somewhat. Scratch that, I just read a comment from the brewery that indicated there are no hops (!) to preserve this beer, so it almost certainly has changed since canning. That said, I actually enjoyed this as it was, and found it to be crisp and refreshing, reminiscent of a gin & tonic (although the flavours weren’t much like that). I will definitely keep an eye out for new cans of this in the coming summer.(14/20)

Both raspberries and cherries are present, with neither clearly dominating, but it’s really less of a duel, and more of a cooperative effort, if you ask me. Not much else going on, mind you, but the fruit is pleasant and authentic, with no cough syrup character. (16/20)

This… might be the best thing QV has ever done. Scratch that, this is by far the best thing they’ve ever done. I had high hopes when it was announced that the legal wrangling between the two owners was finally at a close, and that they would be moving bravely forward into the twenty-first century. (Hey, better late than never, right?) The prime position in the province was theirs to lose, and I’m very much afraid they’ve lost it, but beers like this might be the recipe for a comeback. QV say this is a West Coast IPA, but the fact is, with its cloudy appearance and juicy smooth hops it’s almost a passable version of an NEIPA, and it can hold its own against nearly any other IPA in North America. (And, is it a bad thing that this isn’t the first beer I’ve had where I actually know the guy on the label?) (16/20)

Another one I can’t find dating for, but the brewer web site says it’s a “Feb thru Apr” release, so it should be fresh. Galaxy hops have got to be among my favourite ANZ varietals, and this showcases them to good effect. Very similar to its sibling Lost Highway I just tried, although slightly lighter in colour and exhibiting slightly different hop character, but having much the same issues with overall appearance and excess sweetness. If one were to pretty this up and clean up the malt a bit, it would be a stonking good brew. (15/20)

This is a decent implementation of Simcoe, with absolutely none of the cattiness that so easily accompanies this hop. They don’t actually say it’s a single hop, and I can’t find any brewer notes, so I’m a bit unclear there – though it wouldn’t surprise me if there were some other starts-with-C-hops in the mix. No dates anywhere on the can, but the hops seems reasonably bright so I’m guessing this is fairly fresh. (Update: according to their web site, it’s a February release, so, yup.) Although the aroma is fairly bright hops and clean malt, I find it just a touch sweet on the tongue. This lingers as a slight stickiness into the finish, making me disinclined to reach for another. Good, not great. (15/20)